China Fines Japan Auto-Parts Makers $200 Million

Moves Comes as Foreign Auto Makers, Tech Firms Have Been Probed Under Antitrust Law

Aug. 20, 2014 6:24 a.m. ET

SHANGHAI—China levied a record $200 million combined fine against 10 Japanese auto-parts and bearings makers for antitrust activities, its most dramatic move yet to tame prices in markets dominated by foreign companies.

The fines didn't weigh heavily on any one company. And some of those companies already had been fined for alleged price-fixing in the U.S., Japan and Europe over the past few years. But the penalties come amid concerns among some foreign executives that China is increasing scrutiny of multinational...